Economic news this past week certainly is the most optimistic of several years, from Herman Miller’s sales increases to an unchanged unemployment rate (perhaps a glass half full at this point in time). The business community has survived the Millennium Bug, 9-11, corporate liars and a nasty transition in the manufacturing sector. There is no doubt that business has come through it all stronger and smarter, positioned for advances. Its undoing remains in those who hold to past practices, and the weakness of our education system — especially as local businesses again become concerned about labor shortages.